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Pep Guardiola reveals midfielder has triggered new Man City contract – but no guarantees he will stay
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Ilkay Gundogan’s contract has been automatically extended, though questions about the midfielder’s long-term future remain.
Gundogan, who initially left City for Barcelona in 2023, made a surprising return to the Etihad just a year later following financial instability at the Catalan club. Upon his comeback, the German international signed a one-year deal which included a clause to extend his stay until the summer of 2026—triggered by the number of appearances he has made this season.
Speaking after City clashes with Crystal Palace, Guardiola praised Gundogan’s resurgence, stating:
“He now has another year on his contract, that’s certain. What happens this summer, I can’t say, but he’s officially with us until 2026. The Gundo we saw today, and against Leicester and Bournemouth, is the same Gundo who led us during our treble-winning campaign—vital, sharp, intelligent.”
Guardiola went on to emphasize the team dynamic affecting individual performance:
“When the team struggles, individuals do too. It’s never just about one player. But when the team finds its rhythm, players like Gundo shine again. He’s been essential to us, but we’ve not always supported him in the right way.”
While Gundogan’s contract extension keeps him at the club on paper, it doesn’t guarantee he’ll remain beyond the current campaign. With Kevin De Bruyne likely to depart and other seasoned players nearing the end of their City tenures, Guardiola might look to lean on Gundogan’s leadership and experience through this transitional phase.
After a rocky restart following his return, Gundogan has found his form again, starting City’s last five matches. As the season nears its climax, he’s expected to be instrumental in City’s push for Champions League qualification and their bid to lift the FA Cup.